In an emotional farewell, Clayton Kershaw delivered a stellar performance during his final start for the Los Angeles Dodgers on October 1, 2023, leading the team to a 6-1 victory against the Seattle Mariners. Kershaw, a future Hall of Famer, held the Mariners scoreless into the sixth inning, capping off a remarkable career with a strong showing at T-Mobile Park.
As he prepared for the game, Kershaw shared heartfelt moments with his family, long-time pitching coach Rick Honeycutt, and friend and former teammate A.J. Ellis, who were present to support him. Cameras captured Kershaw visibly emotional as he bid farewell to the fans, a testament to his impact on the game and the community.
Dodgers Secure Victory and Playoff Position
Kershaw’s performance was complemented by his teammates, including Freddie Freeman and Hyeseong Kim, who both hit two-run home runs. Shohei Ohtani also made headlines, launching his 55th homer of the season. The victory marked Kershaw’s 223rd career win, solidifying his legacy as one of the top pitchers of his generation.
With this win, the Dodgers concluded their regular-season schedule with a record of 93 wins, their lowest since 2018. They will advance to the playoffs, hosting either the Cincinnati Reds or the New York Mets in a best-of-three Wild Card Series starting Tuesday at Dodger Stadium. First pitch for the initial two games is scheduled for 18:08 PT.
Dodgers manager Dave Roberts confirmed that Kershaw will not be part of the roster for the upcoming Wild Card Series. After throwing 94 pitches in his final outing, Kershaw’s availability for the bullpen was deemed unrealistic. This decision marks a significant turning point for the team as they prepare for the postseason.
Kershaw’s Legacy in Baseball
As Kershaw steps away from the field, his remarkable career statistics speak volumes. Over his time in Major League Baseball, he has pitched 2,855 1/3 innings, started 451 games, and recorded 3,052 strikeouts, placing him 20th all-time. His career ERA of 2.53 is the second-lowest among pitchers with at least 2,000 innings since 1920, and his winning percentage of .699 is the best in that time frame. Kershaw has also achieved 11 All-Star selections, three Cy Young Awards, and one Most Valuable Player award.
In his final performance, Kershaw struck out seven batters and allowed just four hits. After striking out Randy Arozarena and Cal Raleigh to conclude the fifth inning, he returned for the sixth, where he struck out Eugenio Suarez. The crowd honored him with a warm ovation as he exited the mound, symbolizing the respect and admiration he has earned throughout his illustrious career.
As the Dodgers look ahead to the playoffs, they will seek to build on Kershaw’s legacy and continue their pursuit of a championship. With players like Ohtani and Blake Snell expected to play pivotal roles in the Wild Card Series, the team aims to leverage their talent and experience to make a deep postseason run.
